Prizes

Rick Gumley was a passionate Tasmanian electrical engineer. He graduated from the University of Tasmania as a Grade One Engineer in 1962 and went on to have a long and varied career in innovative electrical engineering in Tasmania. A passionate entrepreneur Rick invented and prototyped a lightning warning system that could predict strikes typically up to ten minutes before they occurred. So innovative was the technology at the time, the Institution of Engineers Australia awarded him the 1973 Electrical Engineering prize for the best electrical engineering paper published by the Institution.

Rick’s career included chairing the Global Lightning Technologies group. His continued enthusiasm for problem solving resulted in GLT holding over 30 patents worldwide, employing 120 staff, three quarters of those in Hobart, and exporting to 29 countries, and winning the Australian Small-Medium Firm Manufacturing Export award.

Rick was awarded the M. A. Sargent Medal in 1998, the highest award of the Electrical College board of Engineers Australia given for longstanding eminence in science or the practice of electrical engineering. Awarded for his contribution to Australian and International standards setting in lightning protection, surge protection, and earthing design.

This endowed prize has been created by Rick’s son Stephen Gumley and daughter Cheryl Lauk and by Ricks friends and colleagues at Lightning Protection International Pty Ltd to encourage the development of innovation and talent in engineering students.

Awarded to the student studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Specialisation) with Honours – majoring in Electrical and Electronics, Electrical Power or Electronics and Communications with the highest overall grade in third-year.

In the event that the school is unable to easily choose the top student due to 3 different majors being involved – the donor would like consideration to be made as to the students innovation, creativity, passion and potential to make a significant contribution to engineering in Tasmania.

$1000